In the 1870's, Dr. Ruben Wilbur brought some horses from the historic
Rancho Dolores to stock his homestead ranch in Arivaca, southern Arizona.
Through 3 successive generations spanning over 100 years, the Wilbur-Cruce
Spanish were used to work the ranch and kept in isolation. In typical Vaquero
style, they were allowed to run in wild bands in the arid, rocky and mountainous
terrain, developing a ruggedness and intelligence that only a harsh selection
process (survival f the fittest) can produce.
In 1990, the elderly granddaughter of Dr. Wilbur Cruce, Eva Antonia
Wilbur-Cruce, sold part of the ranch to the nature Conservancy as an eventual
addition to the Buenos Aries National Wildlife Refuge. Due to their historical
and genetic importance, Eva agreed to donate the horses to the American
Minor Breeds conservancy (now the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy),
an organization dedicated to conserving endangered breeds unique to the
Americas.
The Conservancy coordinated the task of removing the horses, ensuring
that blood samples were taken for typing. Dr. Gus Cothran, Director of
the Equine Blood Typing Research Laboratory at the University of Kentuky,
concluded that the Wilbur-Cruce horses were an isolated or closed population,
with evidence of Spanish ancestry supportive of their oral and written
history.
"They were our companions from sunup to sundown
and sometimes deep into the night, year in, year out. They had speed, stamina,
courage and intelligence...and none more beatiful."
Mrs. Eva Antonia Wilbur-Cruce
from "A BEATIFUL, CRUEL COUNTRY"
The challenge of preserving these rare horses requires extensive
historic and genetic research, selective breeding and dedication. Today,
due to the restoration efforts of Rancho del Sueno, these unique horses
are once again stepping forth from the pages of history to demonstrate
the remarkable endurance, versatility, intelligence, temperament and beauty
characteristic of their heritage, breathing new life into a living legacy.
Rancho del Sueno is the only horse ranch
dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the fabled Wilbur-Cruce
Colonial Spanish horse. This year we are proud to be able to offer some
of these exceptional horses for sale. Furthermore, we provide training
with an emphasis on classical schooling and behavior modification.
If you would like to find out more about
Rancho del Sueno, feel free to write us email by going to the feedback
page or by clicking on the link below. We will be glad to answer any questions
you might have as to our organization. Thanks again for visiting our site.
